Friday, October 28, 2011

"In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed. Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime." (summary from kimberlyderting.com)

Kimberly Derting's The Pledge is the story of Charlaina who lives in the country of Ludania where the classes are divided by language. Charlie is capable of understanding every language but must hide this dangerous secret. Charlie then meets Max who speaks a language that she has never understood before and she can't deny the attraction she feels towards him.

I am a huge fan of Derting's Body Finder Series and I was excited to read The Pledge, also the interesting premise immediately caught my attention. The book is filled with so many characters that I completely fell in love with. Charlie lives in a dangerous country where looking into the eyes of someone who is in a higher class can mean death. She has a special ability though because she can understand every class language but, she must keep this secret hidden. Charlie is tough because she has grown up in this dangerous country keeping her secret. She is also selfless and I especially loved the relationship she shared with her younger sister, Angelina.

Max is a bit of a mystery because he speaks a language that Charlie has never heard of before. The chemistry between Charlie and Max is evident from the first moment they meet though. I also loved the other characters such as Charlie's best friends Brooklyn and Aron, as well as Charlie's parents. Then there was the mysterious Xander from the underground club.

Derting once again uses the style where she alternates between the protagonist and antagonist, Charlie and the Queen. However, she also alternates between Max and Xander as well. I really enjoyed that the chapters alternated because it helped move the plot along and give a deeper understanding into each character. I loved the fascinating dystopian setting in the country of Ludania and I enjoyed learning the history, especially how the Queen came into power. The plot goes by a bit quickly but, there are also quite a few surprises and twists that I wasn't expecting. I really liked the ending and I hope there will be another book. Overall, The Pledge is a captivating and interesting story that I recommend.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

"In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever." (summary from goodreads.com)

Ally Condie's Crossed is the sequel to Matched and picks up after some time has passed. Cassia is searching the Outer Provinces for Ky who was taken by the Society. Ky has escaped though and Cassia must follow the clues he's left behind.

Crossed is an exciting and captivating sequel to Matched. Cassia continues to grow and develop as well as become smarter and tougher. I enjoyed that the chapters alternated between Cassia and Ky. I was especially happy to see much more Ky because I am completely on team Ky. I liked learning more about Ky's back story and his family. I also especially enjoyed the new characters Indie, Vick, and Eli. I did, however, find myself missing Xander a bit and disappointed that he wasn't in the story more.

The opening chapter of Crossed captured my attention immediately. Condie's writing is beautiful once again and I loved the poetry. One of my favorite aspects was learning more of the interesting history about the Society and the Rising. It was interesting to learn more about the life outside of the Society. I also loved the ending although it leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am left with a couple of questions. I can't wait to find out what will happen next though. I recommend Crossed and if you have not read it yet, Matched as well.

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases

Goddess Interrupted

By: Aimee Carter

Release Date: March 27, 2012

"Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it. Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry’s first wife, Persephone." (Summary from goodreads.com)

I am looking forward to Goddess Interrupted because I enjoyed the previous book in this series, The Goddess Test and I am curious to find out where the story will go next.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Under the Never SkyBy: Veronica RossiRelease Date: January 3, 2012Source: ARC from NYCCPurchase the Book: Amazon*An advanced reader's copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

"Exiled from her comfortable home in the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. In Reverie, she spent time with her friends roaming virtual environments called Realms. But in The Death Shop, even the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage. He’s also her only hope for survival. A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry sees Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he also needs Aria’s help; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, they come together reluctantly, and embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by cannibals and wolves. Their unlikely alliance will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY." (summary from goodreads.com)

Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky is the story of Aria who is exiled from her home in Reverie to The Death Shop where her chances of survival are minimum. Aria soon meets Perry who is a savage and hunter. Perry has lived outside of Reverie and the Realms, or virtual environments that Aria spent much of her time in. Perry can help Aria survive though but he also needs Aria's help in return.

Under the Never Sky is an unpredictable and captivating dystopian story. Rossi strongly develops each of the characters and I love that the chapters alternate between Aria and Perry because it provided a deeper glimpse into their drastically different lifestyles. Aria finds herself exiled and has no idea how to survive outside of her home and the virtual Realms. She is tough though and doesn't give up easily which I admired about her. I also admired that she wants to know the truth and asks questions until she finds it.

Perry has lived in a tribe his whole life as a skilled hunter. Perry also has some other unique abilities that help him survive. Aria and Perry are from completely different lifestyles and immediately hate one another because of the stories they have been told their entire lives. However, they both need one another. I also loved the other characters that they meet along their journey such as Roar, Cinder, and Marron.

The world that Rossi creates is completely fascinating and vivid but, also a bit terrifying at times. I felt as though I was in the world alongside Aria and Perry on their journey. I admit that I was a bit confused about some things in the beginning but it is all explained. From the first page to the last, I did not want to put this book down. The exciting plot, filled with action, romance, and unexpected surprises, did not feel rushed once. Rossi's writing is beautiful and I find it hard to believe this is her debut. I can't get over how much I loved the last couple of chapters and I can't wait for the next book. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next to these characters that I have grown so attached to. I will definitely be rereading this again soon though while I do wait. I loved Under the Never Sky and can't recommend it enough!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Enshadowed

By: Kelly Creagh

Release Date: January 24, 2012

"While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.” Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger. When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love." (Summary from goodreads.com)

I am excited for Enshadowed because I really enjoyed Evermore and I am looking forward to what will happen next.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Purchase the Book: Amazon*A advanced reader's copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

"Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior." (summary from goodreads.com)

Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me is the story of seventeen year old Juliette who has the power to kill someone with just a touch. Juliette has been locked up for years because she is considered dangerous. While held in her private cell, the outside world around her continues to fall to pieces and the Reestablishment claims they can fix it all.

Shatter Me is a beautifully written and captivating story with strongly developed characters. Juliette makes an excellent protagonist who I sympathized a great deal for especially, while she is locked up. She has a powerful ability to kill another person with just one touch but because of this ability she is alienated. I loved that Juliette's thoughts are always known to the reader and those thoughts are absolutely heartbreaking at times.

Juliette soon meets Adam who she shares a special connection with. I don't want to spoil anything but I will say that Adam is one of the sweetest characters ever. There are several other interesting and well developed characters who are brought into the story as well such as Warner, Kenji, and James.

Mafi creates a believable and interesting dystopian world. The story captured my attention from the first sentence and held it until the last. I did not want to put it down but I also didn't want it to ever end. The plot flows smoothly from one page to the next and has the perfect balance of romance and action. I loved Mafi's writing style and the details she includes. I truly got a deeper understanding into Juliette's world and inside her mind. I loved the ending and I am dying to read what will happen next. I will definitely be buying a copy of this when it comes out and I can't wait to read it again. Mafi makes an excellent debut and I can't recommend Shatter Me enough!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

I attended New York Comic Con this weekend and I thought I would share my recap with you because much of it is book related. It is the best place for a geek like me to spend her entire weekend. I got so many great books and some other goodies. Some publishing companies such as Penguin, Harper, Harlequin, Simon and Schuster, and Hachette had booths set up.

(Zombies, Fallen Angels, and Other Paranormals Panel)

﻿On Friday, I attended a Zombies, Fallen Angels, and other Paranormals panel with debut Young Adult authors, Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me) and Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky). The panel was great and Tahereh Mafi and Veronica both discussed their books and their characters. After the panel both authors, who are very sweet in person, signed ARCS of Shatter Me and Under the Never Sky at the Harper Collins booth. ﻿﻿﻿﻿

The Penguin booth was my favorite because every hour they would give out a galley. On Friday, I also met Scott Westerfield which was exciting. On Saturday, I stopped by the several book booths again and also the Sea Lion Books booth where I picked up copies of The Dark Swan comics. While I was talking about how excited I was for the Hush, Hush graphic novel due out in November, I was shown a sneak peak at some of the pages and it looks so great! On Sunday, I stopped by all of the book booths again to purchase quite a lot of books and was even lucky enough to find some signed editions too. Besides the books, there were so many other great things going on such as the Avengers panel which was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. Overall, I had an amazing weekend and thank you to all of the amazing booths for giving away so many great things, especially Penguin! ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Deep Blue SecretBy: Christie Anderson christieanderson.orgReleased: July 29, 2011Source: Received for Book TourPurchase the Book: Amazon*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review

"California teen, Sadie James, thinks her life couldn't get any better. She has great friends, an energetic mother she adores, and the beach practically in her own backyard. But her carefree life is turned upside down when she's rescued by a mysterious and strangely familiar boy who won't even tell her his name. Each time the boy appears, Sadie's unexplainable attraction to him deepens along with her need to unravel his secrets. The boy is there to protect her. But as wonderful and exciting as it might be to have an irresistible boy with crystal green eyes protecting her every move, every minute of the day...why does Sadie need one? As Sadie finds answers, she realizes her life isn't as perfect as she thought. Not only is she caught in a world of dangerous secret agents she never knew existed, but it turns out her true identity may be the greatest secret of all." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Christie Anderson's Deep Blue Secret is the story of Sadie who is living an almost perfect life. However, Sadie's world is turned upside down when a mysterious boy saves her one day. She instantly feels a connection to the stranger and he shows up again when she needs him the most. Sadie soon begins to unravel a secret involving her and why she would need constant protection.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Deep Blue Secret but I really enjoyed it. Sadie is an interesting protagonist. She lives a seemingly perfect life but she begins to feel as though something is off and her moods keep changing uncontrollably. One of my favorite aspects of the book is Sadie's relationship with her mother. Her mother is energetic and works late shifts at a hospital. However, they still manage to share breakfast together each morning and set aside certain days to spend together.

Rayne is the mysterious boy that rescues Sadie when she needs it the most. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery of Rayne as the story progressed. The chemistry between Sadie and Rayne is evident from the first time he rescues her. I especially enjoyed the chapters that provided a deeper perspective into Rayne's life and thoughts.

I loved the setting in California and the beaches but I may be a bit biased because personally California is one of my favorite places in the world. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery in the beginning and I liked how the information is gradually explained. The chapters occasionally switched between characters which helped move along the plot and provide an understanding into the character's motives. Although the ending was a bit predictable, I still enjoyed it. I recommend Deep Blue Secret and I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

"The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever."(summary from goodreads.com)

Becca Fitzpatrick's Silence is the third book in the Hush, Hush series. Silence picks up a few months after Crescendo left off. Nora is returning home after being kidnapped but she does not remember anything that happened while she was gone or the weeks leading up to the kidnapping.

Silence is my favorite book in this series, I did not want to put it down. Nora continues to grow on me with each book, especially in Silence. Nora, as well as the reader, are in the dark about what happened to her. However, Nora is tough and she wants to find the answers to her kidnapping no matter what it will take. Patch is still one of my favorite male characters in a Young Adult series but once again I wish there was more of him. I enjoy the relationship between Patch and Nora because their love is genuine and they will do anything for each other. I was also happy to see the return of the characters such as Vee, Scott, Dabria, and even Marcie.

The exciting plot picks up immediately from the first page and flows smoothly right until the end. I liked that Nora is explained many of the basics about the angels and certain characters again because it gave me a quick refresher of the previous books as well. The ending leaves off on a huge cliffhanger and I am dying to read the next book. I don't want to spoil anything but Silence does not disappoint. I highly recommend it as well as the entire Hush, Hush series.

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

The Statistical Probability of Love At First SightBy: Jennifer E. SmithRelease Date: January 2, 2012

"Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A. Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it." (Summary from goodreads.com)

I can not wait for this book, I have heard so many great things about it. The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight sounds like a great read and I love the cover! I just wish that January didn't seem so far away.

*Also don't forget to enter the 100 followers giveaway. You can win either The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, Fateful by Claudia Gray, City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, Divergent by Veronica Roth, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, or Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Purchase the Book: Amazon*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

"During the sweltering summer of 1963, everything is moving fast for 14-year-old Aurora, who’s spending the days with her grandparents in the northwest Louisiana countryside. Her fast thoughts and actions can cause those around her to shake their heads in bafflement, especially when her spirits nosedive. But it’s no puzzle for the mystical Mr. Hematite and his tiny assistant, Mr. Dragonfly. Together, they guide her in understanding her bipolar moods and show her that as Light Fixtures, everyone has the potential to shine with balance and brilliance." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Deborah DeMoss Smith's Light Fixtures is the story of young Aurora who is spending the summer with her grandparents in Louisiana during the 1960's. Aurora is often high spirited and her family is accustomed to it. However, Aurora soon meets Mr. Hematite and Mr. Dragonfly who know the truth behind Aurora's fast moving thoughts.

I enjoyed Light Fixtures and the I especially liked the character of Aurora. She is always moving fast and doesn't stay still for long but she is also smart, tough, and sassy. I love her quick retorts to Johnny Lee, the older boy from her school who helps her grandfather. Aurora also works hard and helps out her grandparents with little complaint. Aurora's grandparents work hard every day and it is clearly evident how much they love their granddaughter. I also enjoyed the interesting characters Mr. Hematite and Mr. Dragonfly and I wasn't sure what to expect from them at first but I wish there was some more of them in the story.

I loved the setting in the South during the 1960's. Smith describes the town in great detail which made me feel as though I was actually there. It took me a while to get into the story but I really enjoyed the ending the most. Smith does an excellent job handling the topic of bipolar depression which I don't see often in Young Adult literature. I sympathized for Aurora who drastically dropped from a high mood to a low mood and did not know she had bipolar depression because it was something that was not treated at the time. Overall, I enjoyed Light Fixtures and recommend it.My Rating:

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Clockwork PrinceBy: Cassandra ClareRelease Date: December 6, 2011

"In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them. Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do? As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart." (Summary from goodreads.com)

I love the Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices series and I am so anxious to read this book! I can't wait to find out what will happen next to Tessa, Will, and Jem.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Lola and the Boy Next DoorBy: Stephanie PerkinsReleased: September 29, 2011Source: PurchasedPurchase the Book: Amazon

"Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door." (Summary from goodreads.com)

Stephanie Perkin's Lola and the Boy Next Door is the story of Lola who loves to dress in unique costumes every day. Lola's life is going almost perfectly until her old neighbors, the Bell's, move back in. Lola was once best friends with the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, until they had a falling out before they moved away. Now that Cricket is back, Lola must face the feelings she has carried for him for years.

I loved Lola and the Boy Next Door and I did not want this book to end. I was nervous that I wouldn't love it as much as I loved Anna and the French Kiss but I was completely wrong. The characters are deeply developed which makes them realistic and relatable. Lola was an excellent and fun protagonist. She is original and I loved all of her costumes. I enjoyed her parents as well and the relationship she shares with them. I also enjoyed the friendship Lola shares with Lindsey. Lola and Lindsey aren't exactly similar but they are there for each other.

Cricket Bell is the boy next door who loves to invent things but has always lived in his twin sister's shadow. Cricket is sweet, awkward, and smart and I am completely in love with him. Lola once had feelings for Cricket years ago but when Cricket comes back she is already dating someone else. The chemistry between Lola and Cricket is evident though from the first time they see each other again.

I loved the setting in San Francisco and once again Perkins describes a city in such great detail that I feel as though I am walking the streets with the characters. I loved where Anna and St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss came into the story and I loved seeing them again. The plot moves at an excellent pace and each page flows right to the next one. I especially loved the ending the most and I already went back to reread it again. I also know that I will definitely be rereading this book many more times. I can't express how much I loved Lola and the Boy Next Door and I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you for all of the 708 entries for the Banned Books Week Hop Giveaway, I wish I could give everyone the book they wanted!

The randomly selected winner is...

Amanda

who has chosen Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay AsherPlease check your inbox, I have sent you an email.

I am excited that over the course of the giveaway I have now reached over 100 followers on both the blog and twitter. Thank you for following and I hope you decide to stick around. If you didn't win this time, I will be posting about a 100 follower giveaway either later tonight or tomorrow, so make sure you check back!!!

Disclaimer

All reviews published on this blog are based on books that I have either purchased myself or received from an author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. It is noted in the review whether I purchased a book myself or received the book from the publisher or author. I receive no compensation from any of the reviews that I publish. Unless otherwise noted, all photos used on this blog are from Google and are not owned by me.